(NewsNation) —The Coast Guard rescued a surfer who had been missing for more than 30 hours, with the 68-year-old man described as being in stable condition.
The rescue came after a multi-agency search effort in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, for the surfer. The man was transported to medical personnel after he was found.
“What a terrific outcome!” said Capt. Robert Stiles. “This case could have easily had a different outcome. We urge all mariners and anyone entering the water to have a plan, communicate your intentions with someone and wear all proper life-saving equipment.”
On Jan. 9, 2026, the Coast Guard was notified of a person reported missing from an Airbnb host after not returning for more than 24 hours. The man’s daughter said he had gone surfing in the area near Surfer’s Beach at noon on Jan. 8, and had not been heard from since.
The agency issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and began conducting shoreline and offshore searches in the area.
A helicopter crew spotted the missing surfer stranded on rocks outside Surfer’s Beach next to a surfboard, attempting to signal the aircraft.
The location couldn’t be accessed by foot or boat, so the surfer was rescued via hoist operation despite nighttime conditions and low visibility.